Employers Fined $139,000 After Six Workers Injured in Flash Fire
Six workers were injured after a flash fire and explosion occurred.
- By Alex Saurman
- Mar 28, 2022
Four companies were cited for serious violations after many workers were injured.
According to a press release, six workers were seriously injured after a flash fire and subsequent explosion during preventative care and maintenance. OHSA investigated Westlake Chemicals in Sulphur, Louisiana and cited the company and three others for unsafe work practices, exposure to airborne concentrations of benzene, and other violations.
“Employers are responsible for ensuring employees have a safe workplace by having the correct confined space permits and a plan in place to inspect equipment to prevent serious injuries,” said Area Director Roderic Chube in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in a press release. “Employers should also make sure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of benzene in excess of the permissible exposure limits.”
OSHA has cited Turn2 Specialty Companies LLC for four serious violations, Westlake Chemical Lake Charles South for three serious violations, and Leak Sealers Inc. and Wastewater Specialties LLC for two serious violations each.
Together, the penalties total $139,427.
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.